Kenya will this year begin rolling out Lenacapavir, a long‑acting injectable HIV prevention drug that only needs to be taken twice a year.
This positions the country among the first in Africa to deploy the breakthrough treatment, alongside Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe, supported by the Global Fund.
Why This Matters for Communities
For many people, taking a pill every day is a challenge. Stigma, busy schedules, or limited access to clinics often stand in the way of consistent use. Lenacapavir changes that. With just one injection every six months, it offers discreet, effective protection and could prevent almost all new HIV infections.
Trials published in the New England Journal of Medicine found it reduced infections by 96–100 per cent.
The World Health Organization endorsed Lenacapavir in its updated HIV prevention guidelines in July 2025, underscoring its potential to transform HIV prevention globally.
According to Think Global Health, scientific advances like this can only make a difference if countries commit to ensuring access for those who need it most.
Making Prevention Affordable
The branded drug currently costs Sh3.8 million ($28,000) in the US, but Kenya will benefit from a funding plan by the Gates Foundation and Unitaid.
Two Indian manufacturers, Hetero and Dr Reddy’s, will produce a generic version at just Sh5,400 ($40) per person per year. This dramatic price drop makes the injection accessible to communities that have historically struggled to afford prevention tools.
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The Bigger Picture in Kenya
Kenya’s HIV prevalence stands at 3.7 per cent, with about 1.4 million people living with HIV. Young people remain disproportionately affected, accounting for 41 per cent of new infections. Nairobi alone recorded nearly 20,000 new cases in 2024, with ten counties contributing to 60 per cent of all infections.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale says the rollout will be guided by national policies and coordinated through NASCOP, ensuring priority populations are reached.
“This milestone underscores our determination to expand access to effective, discreet, and sustainable prevention options,” he said.
Community Impact and Equity
For families, young people, and communities across Kenya, Lenacapavir offers hope. It reduces the burden of daily medication, strengthens prevention efforts, and supports Kenya’s goal of cutting new infections. Experts believe wider access to this injection could transform the fight against HIV, saving thousands of lives and helping communities thrive.
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